In his weekly address, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sent a special holiday message to all Americans and showed gratitude and thanks to members of the U.S. military. They asked that everyone take time this season to visit JoiningForces.gov, and learn how to give back to the troops, veterans, and military families in our communities.

Similar messages were also given at the Obama’s annual visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii during their family vacation to Honolulu. His remarks started off acknowledging the recent deaths of six American soldiers by the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan, CNN reported.

“Even though we have been able to reduce the number of folks who are deployed in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, there are still folks over there every single day and it’s still dangerous, as we saw this past week with the outstanding, brave Americans who were killed,” he said.

With FLOTUS by his side, he also emphasized how grateful he was for the bravery all American troops demonstrate on a daily basis, adding:

“So we never take for granted all what all of you do for the American people. You help keep us free. You help keep us strong. And whatever service you’re in, we are extraordinarily grateful for everything you do every single day. And we hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas.”

Finally, he also pointed out the sacrifices that their loved-ones make too, stating, “So many families here are serving tirelessly. And it’s not just those in uniform who serve, it’s also the spouses, the kids. There are times when you’re missing birthdays, missing soccer games, making sacrifices.”

From the Obama family to yours, Merry Christmas! And a special thank you to all our men and women in uniform this holiday season.

Obama delivered these particular messages in front of 460 Navy members, who chatted with the President and First Lady and posed in pictures with them afterwards, CNN said.

This was just one of many kind gestures Obama had for service members this holiday season. According to the White House, on Christmas Eve the President also made personal calls to American soldiers around the world thanking them for everything they do.